Neven Marinović, Director of Smart Kolektiv, was one of the participants in the panel discussion “ESG in Focus: The Role of Serbia’s Financial Sector in Promoting Social Equality and Sustainable Development,” held as part of the conference “Integration of ESG Standards for a More Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector in Serbia” on 13 December in Belgrade.
Together with notable participants such as Vladimir Hrle, attorney and leader of the IFC – International Finance Corporation ESG Advisory Project in Serbia, IFC Europe; Irena Brajović, Director of Confindustria Serbia; Dr Kosovka Ognjenović, Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Economic Sciences, Marinović highlighted the pivotal role of the financial sector in implementing and promoting ESG standards.
Panelists emphasized that the financial sector facilitates private investments supporting the green transition and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In addition to the importance of sustainable finance, the panel also addressed gender equality as a major priority in the implementation of ESG standards. Despite progress in recent decades, the panelists noted that gender-based discrimination and the pay gap persist—even within the financial and insurance sectors. They concluded that sustainable development and social equality are inseparable and that the financial sector holds both the power and responsibility to lead the ESG transition. The panel was moderated by Dr Slađana Sredojević, Head of the Banking Education Centre at the Association of Serbian Banks.
The conference, “Integration of ESG Standards for a More Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector in Serbia,” aimed to raise awareness about sustainable financial practices and responsible corporate governance. It spotlighted key factors in building a more resilient economic system, with a particular focus on the importance of social inclusivity and gender equality.
The event brought together key business and institutional leaders who shared knowledge and experiences. It also featured the presentation of the “Guidelines for Strengthening Capacities for ESG Practice Implementation.”
The conference was organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Association of Serbian Banks, Sustineri Partners, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, and the regional association Women on Boards Adria. It gathered representatives from academic sector, industry, banks, financial institutions, and corporations integrating ESG standards into their operations and strategic decisions.